The former West Craven High football standout has been in Boca Raton, Fla. training and receiving tips from former NFL great Cris Carter.

His mission is to improve his stock for April’s NFL draft.

Highsmith, a wide receiver at the University of North Carolina, will step away from his training for a week to prepare for the East-West Shrine Bowl game — a college football all-star game for some of the top seniors in the nation.

The 88th version of the East-West Shrine Bowl will be played at 4 p.m. on Jan. 19 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla. It will be televised on the NFL Network.

More than 60 NFL Hall of Famers, and more than 50 current NFL players, have competed in the game.

Highsmith’s East squad will be coached by Jerry Glanville, a former coach of the NFL’s Houston Oilers and Atlanta Falcons.

“This is what I’ve worked for — to go out there and play against the best at this level,” Highsmith said. “I want to go against the best cornerbacks.”

Highsmith is currently projected as the 38th best wide receiver prospect, according to CBSsports.com.

He wants to impress the 32 teams in attendance at the East-West game.

Highsmith, listed at 6-foot-3, will arrive in St. Petersburg on Saturday and practice all week.

“It’s a great opportunity,” Highsmith said. “I’m not projected high on the boards, but this is a great chance for me to go out there and showcase my talents in front of the scouts and coaches.”

Highsmith, a four-year player at UNC, caught 54 passes for 587 yards and five touchdowns this season.

He has 166 career receptions — third all-time among UNC wide receivers — for 2,048 yards and 15 touchdowns.

He is ready to make a lasting image in his final college football game.

Highsmith will be teamed up with Heisman Finalist Collin Klein, a quarterback from Kansas State, Duke quarterback Sean Renfree and N.C. State defensive back Earl Wolff, among others.

“I always want to go up against the best competition,” Highsmith said. “I am looking to catch somebody’s eye. This is a big step for me. I have a lot depending on this game, and hopefully I will go out there and do my best.”

Highsmith said his goal is to catch every ball thrown his way, no matter if it’s in practice or the game.

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“I really want to have a good week of practice,” he said. “Scouts, GMs and coaches will be there to watch us practice. I want to let them know that I can play ball.”

Highsmith has been working out with some of the elite cornerbacks and wide receivers in Florida. Carter, an eight-time Pro Bowl performer, is Highsmith’s position’s coach.

He’s competed one-on-one against former University of Tennessee and current Kansas Chiefs defensive back Eric Berry.

“(Cris Carter) knows what he is talking about,” Highsmith said. “He emphasizes catching the ball. Whatever you do, catch the ball. He has the top five all-time greatest hands.

“He shows us catching drills, workout drills, footwork drills and getting in and out of breaks.”

After training in Florida, Highsmith will get ready for combines and UNC’s Senior Pro Day in March.

Highsmith said he has no doubt he can play in the NFL.

“One of my best attributes as a receiver is getting open,” Highsmith said. “In the league, you have to find that spot and get open. I most definitely think I can play at the next level.

“At the end of the day, I control my own destiny. Whatever I do from here on out determines where I go in the draft. I have to go out and take care of business.”

Adam Thompson can be reached at 252-635-5669 or at Adam.Thompson@newbernsj.com. Follow Adam on Twitter @Adam_matic.